Technical Lead - Central Inverter Research and Development

Tech Lead - Central Inverter R&D

Job Description: Technical Lead – Central Inverter Development

Location: India -Bangalore

Experience: 12–15 years

Domain: Power Electronics – Solar / BESS / Grid-tied Systems

Role Summary

Lead the design, development, and industrialization of high-power central inverters (250 kW – multi-MW range) for solar PV and energy storage applications. Own system architecture, drive cross-functional execution, and ensure compliance with grid codes and reliability targets.

Key Responsibilities

1. System Architecture & Design

• Define end-to-end architecture for central inverter systems:
  • Topology selection (NPC, ANPC, T-Type, Modular Multilevel)
  • Power stage design (IGBT / SiC based)
• Define:
  • DC bus structure (1000V / 1500V systems)
  • Thermal management strategy (air / liquid cooling)
  • Efficiency optimization (>98.5%)

2. Power Electronics Development

• Lead design of:
  • DC-AC inverter stage
  • LCL filters and EMI/EMC compliance
  • Gate driver and protection circuits
• Evaluate semiconductor technologies:
  • IGBT vs SiC trade-offs (cost vs efficiency vs switching frequency)

3. Control & Firmware

• Define and guide control algorithms:
  • Grid synchronization (PLL)
  • Current control loops (dq control)
  • MPPT (if integrated)
• Grid support functionalities:
  • Reactive power control
  • LVRT / HVRT compliance
• Interface with DSP/FPGA teams

4. Grid Compliance & Standards

• Ensure compliance with:
  • IEC standards (IEC 62109, IEC 61727, IEC 61000)
  • IEEE 1547
  • Indian grid codes (CEA regulations)
• Lead certification efforts (CE, UL if export-focused)

5. Thermal & Mechanical Integration

• Work with mechanical teams for:
  • Heat sink design
  • CFD validation
  • IP rating (IP54/IP65 outdoor systems)

6. Reliability & Safety

• Define:
  • Derating strategies
  • Lifetime calculations (mission profile-based)
• Conduct:
  • FMEA / DFMEA
  • HALT / HASS testing
• Ensure functional safety alignment (where applicable)

7. Team Leadership

• Lead a cross-functional team:
  • Power electronics
  • Controls
  • Mechanical
  • Validation
• Mentor engineers and drive design reviews

8. Vendor & Cost Optimization

• Work with vendors for:
  • Magnetics, semiconductors, capacitors
• Drive:
  • Cost reduction (?/kW)
  • Design-to-cost initiatives

Required Qualifications

Education

• B.E./BTech in Electrical / Power Electronics
• MTech / PhD preferred

Experience

• 10+ years in power electronics design
• Strong experience in:
  • Central / string inverters OR
  • High-power converters (≥100 kW)

Technical Skills

Must-Have

• High-power converter design (≥100 kW to MW scale)
• Topologies: NPC / ANPC / T-type
• Simulation tools: PLECS, MATLAB/Simulink
• Magnetics & filter design
• Thermal design basics

Good-to-Have

• SiC-based converter design
• Grid-forming inverter concepts
• BESS integration knowledge
• Communication protocols (Modbus, CAN, IEC 61850)

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Efficiency (%)
• Power density (kW/m³)
• Cost per kW (?/kW)
• Field failure rate (FIT)
• Time-to-market\

Behavioural Competencies

• Strong ownership mindset
• System-level thinking
• Ability to resolve ambiguity
• Stakeholder management

Typical Companies Hiring for This Role (India)

• Sungrow
• Hitachi Energy
• Delta Electronics
• Tata Power Solar
• Waaree Energies
• Medha Drives
• GE Power Control